Job Goal: The Education and Career Advisor will report to the Director of Continuing Education and will advise adult learners enrolled in SCALE programming. The ECA will maintain a caseload of students; advises and supports students in the formulation of education and career goals and transition plans; attainment of a high school credential, development of digital skills, enrollment in postsecondary education, identification of postsecondary education and work readiness skills education, and preparation for the workforce.  

General Description: The full-time Education and Career Advisor in the Adult Basic Education Department at SCALE has a key role in ensuring that SCALE meets our goals for learners and for the program as a whole.  The Education and Career Advisor (ECA) does intake and placement of students into ABE classes and supports them with basic academic and survival counseling and referrals. The ECA monitors learner progress and handles student issues that arise both in and outside of classes. The ECA works with all students to identify academic and career goals and supports teachers in implementing the job readiness portion of the curriculum. 

Minimum Qualifications:

• Bachelor's Degree in Counseling or related field; ABE certification or Masters/Counseling certification preferred
• Two years successful and relevant counseling experience in adult education
• Experience working with adult learner population as well as the 16-21 year old adult population
• Experience working with trauma victims
• Excellent interpersonal skills; ability to effectively collaborate with students, teachers, and administrators
• Oral and aural fluency in Haitian Creole, Portuguese or Spanish a plus
• Excellent organizational, time management, oral and written communication skills in English
• Excellent computer skills, including MS Office suite, internet/email, and career development databases

Responsibilities:   

• Coordinate intake, testing, and orientation of new learners.
• Place students appropriately so that classes are fully enrolled. Maintain full enrollment whenever possible.
• Provide academic, basic survival and limited personal counseling for current students.
• Make referrals for psychological, economic, and other learner needs that present barriers to persistence and success.
• Maintain learner records, including waitlists, attendance, intake assessment results, evaluations, and progress.
• Coordinate with program administrator in the creation and implementation of department counseling activities and procedures.
• Work with individual students and classes to create education and career plans that articulate each student’s academic and career goals with an action plan to attain those goals.
• Use Internet applications to support and deliver career exploration and job search services.
• Deliver advising workshops to inform and assist students with planning education and career activities, including job readiness skills, career exploration, and job search; college and training program research, selection, and application.
• Organize and facilitate appropriate informational presentations for students about colleges, careers, immigration, health care, workers’ rights/safety, and a variety of other topics.
• Supervise the acquisition, maintenance, and dissemination of information regarding college transition programs, training programs, career fields, employment opportunities, and specific employers for fulltime, part-time, internship, and work-study opportunities.
• Act as a liaison between learners and teachers, and between SCALE and outside agencies/providers, particularly community partners.
• Work on learner retention and conduct follow-up as mandated by DESE/LACES system.
• Participate in department meetings and appropriate professional development activities.
• Communicate effectively with other counselor(s), teachers, and program administrator(s) on student and program issues.
• Under the guidance of the Director, initiate and contribute to work on projects in curriculum development, operations, funding proposals, and/or community relations.
• Assist in establishing and maintaining the goals, philosophy, and policies of SCALE.
• Perform other miscellaneous department and/or SCALE duties as deemed appropriate by the Director

Professional Abilities

• Professionalism in all areas of practice and all interactions with students and staff
• Commitment to the mission of SCALE
• Proven history of successful collaboration
• Flexible & adaptable
• Possess and model high standards for self and student work
• Solutions-based approach to dealing with identified needs, problems and or conflict
• Willingness to take initiative and succeed in a fast-paced classroom/school environment while remaining calm and focused when faced with unexpected challenges
• Commitment to embrace the ideals of diversity and inclusiveness

Application Requirements

• Completion of an extensive application packet, including copies of social security card and government issued identification.
• Completion of C.O.R.I form
• Completion of the National Fingerprint-based background check in accordance with M.G.L. c. 71, §38G.

Terms of Employment:

• Part Time / Grant Funded
• 9/1/2024 - 9/30/2025
• 3 days per week
• 12 hours per week
• Union position

Salary:  Salary and benefits in accordance with the collective bargaining agreement. (If applicable, please attach school transcripts with application)

Reports to: Director of Continuing Education or Designee

The Somerville Public School does not discriminate in its programs, facilities or employment of educational opportunities on the basis of race, color, age, religion, disability, pregnancy, home status, marital/civil union status, sex/gender, gender identity, sexual orientation, citizenship status, place of birth, national origin, ancestry, cultural identity, genetics or military status, and does not tolerate any form of retaliation, or bias-based intimidation, threat or harassment that demeans individuals' group or interferes with their ability to learn or work.